Letters to the editor for Sept. 21

Thursday

Sep 27, 2007 at 12:01 AMSep 27, 2007 at 11:02 PM

How do you explain library closing?

I am writing about the closing of the Bridgewater Public Library (“Police, fire spared serious cuts: Selectmen recommend closing the library and senior center,” Sept. 19). I am shocked, saddened and angry that in this day and age we have to watch our town close the doors to the library and watch our faithful librarians lose their jobs.

The hardest part of this is explaining it to my children. They don't understand how or why this is happening and since I don't either I can't explain it to them. My 4-year-old daughter is taking it the hardest. She has spent a good part of today crying because she cannot get her first library card and will no longer be able to take out any books. It is not easy consoling her when I don't know what to say.

The children of Bridgewater are the ones suffering the most by closing the library. Why do they have to pay such a price?

KIM NEWBURY

Bridgewater

Don't sacrifice Bridgewater public safety

As a concerned citizen of Bridgewater, I was shocked and devastated by the Sept. 9 morning's headline following the override election. I believe a “no” vote was the socially and fiscally irresponsible decision, not only for the town, but for individual households that will end up paying more in non-tax deductible expenses such as insurance and fees.

That said, now that the outcome was (barely) “no,” I have some advice for our elected officials and department heads.

First of all, not only do you have to be the best possible stewards of our tax dollars, but you have to be public about it. Many “no” voters made their decision based on perceived waste. There probably were areas where cost-saving measures were warranted. Consider the suggestions that come in from the public and be vocal about what you do implement to save money and what is just not feasible.

Second, even though there are limited tax dollars, do not sacrifice public safety. It would be irresponsible to fund the library, recreation or the senior center, at all, if we cannot afford to adequately staff the fire department. I believe that even the selfless and valuable employees of the town, whose jobs are in jeopardy, would agree.

LAURIE NORMAN

Bridgewater

Don't blame seniors for override failure

I experienced profound sadness, anger, and disgust when I read the Sept. 13 letter to the editor of James M. Giuffre (“Blame seniors for failure of tax override”). For this gentleman to insinuate that the “senior citizens” were to blame for the failure of the town of Bridgewater override is so far from the truth. He has no knowledge of how anyone voted and has no right to know. It would surprise him to learn that many “senior citizens” supported and voted for the override.

Although some are opposed, the majority of us over age sixty-five are committed to excellence in education and the overwhelming need for all services provided by the town of Bridgewater.

Your remarks defamed several generations of Bridgewater residents who lived through good and bad times, experiencing joy and sadness, success and failure.

We are your great-great-grandparents, your great-grandparents, your grandparents, and your parents, who are greatly concerned about your welfare and your future.

Your banter is that of one wallowing in the mud of mediocrity, in a mire of desperation.

RODERICK K. WALSH

Bridgewater

Not all senior citizens are selfish

In response to the letter to the editor by James M. Guiffre, junior citizen, blaming seniors for Bridgewater's economic demise may or may not be its cause or sad results.

But I, being a senior citizen, need to speak my piece in defense of the so-called middle class. I will agree that the very wealthy have no financial problems at all, the poor get aid and help from many sources. I, being in the “middle,” have more than contributed my share to everything necessary that's been asked of us. Nothing has changed, whether I had children in school, or whether times were tough because of working conditions, illnesses, or whatever. Taxes were paid, and still are, on time; oil bills, utilities, etc.

As a citizen of Bridgewater I am appalled by what is going on in this town. My husband and I moved our family here seven years ago and we love it. But, today (Sept. 18), my son and I went to the library to get a book for a book report and we were told that we couldn't take out any books. I couldn't believe it! First, we were told that the library would only be open six to eight hours a week, which was bad enough but now the selectmen have decided to not fund the library at all. I am shocked. I understand that the selectmen have to make some hard decisions. What I don't understand is why the majority of people in this town have said no to raising taxes. Don't they understand that we have to pay for essential services? These services cost money but these services also provide safety as well as enrich and enhance our lives.

I have always supported an override vote because my family understands that no price is too high to pay for the well-being of our family and our neighbors. Hopefully, we can come together as a community and learn from our mistakes. We need to restore town services to their proper levels so that new families will move to our community and enjoy the Bridgewater that made us move here seven years ago.

The town library will lose state aid, 10 staff members, and will be open less then eight hours per week. The Council on Aging will be reduced to two staff members and there will be no meals on wheels program. The senior center budget cuts may make it impossible to keep the building open. The community development department will close (this is the town department vital to business development). The list goes on, but I'm certain that is enough to make you proud of what you've done. Congratulations.

FRED OWEN

Bridgewater

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